As protests against police brutality and racism engulf the U.S., President Donald Trump has goaded governors to respond with even more force, had police tear gas peaceful civilians for a photo op, and threatened to send the military to subdue his own citizens. The president has shown a shocking lack of compassion, understanding, or even an ability to adequately address a nation suffering not only due to this crisis, but also amidst the still ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
So, in an absence of moral leadership, Late Show host Stephen Colbert delivered a practically presidential monologue urging Americans to be their own leaders, and demonstrate the strength of character that is missing in their president.
"For too long those of us with opportunity and privilege have failed in our responsibility to look at the truth squarely and name the system of racial oppression that artificially divides Americans and benefits those already in position of relative power," said Colbert on Monday night.
"It's perfectly understandable not to want to do this. It's human. Nobody wants to lose privileges or position, especially when fear of that loss is magnified and stoked by political leaders for their own supposed advantage. And I say 'supposed advantage' because if you deny the human rights and dignity of any people, you will ultimately destroy the society and civilisation that you claim to protect.
"Fifty-eight years ago, John Kennedy said, 'Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable,'" said Colbert. "Not only is addressing systemic racial and economic injustice the right thing to do, it is the safest, most conservative, most self-protecting, most self-serving thing to do. Contents under pressure will eventually explode, and that's not a threat, that's a law of nature.
"So it's time to ask ourselves, as it is always time to ask ourselves: What kind of nation do we want to live in?
"That answer requires moral leadership," Colbert continued. "So take it upon yourself to be a leader, and set an example of the kind of country you want to live in. That might mean going down to a protest, or making a donation, or having a tense conversation about race. But you're not going to get that from the White House. So we need to step up and provide it ourselves. America is now officially BYOP — be your own president."
It seems as though when leaders are clowns, comedians become leaders.
